For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,515 students in Washington, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC are Beaufort Co Early College High School, Washington Montessori and Washington High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Washington, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Washington have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Washington, NC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Beaufort Co Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5337 Hwy 264 East, Building 10
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 940-6227
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 940-6227
Gr: 9-13 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Washington Montessori
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2330 Old Bath Hwy
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1977
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1977
Gr: K-12 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Washington High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
400 Slatestone Road
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0858
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0858
Gr: 9-12 | 794 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
P S Jones Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4105 N Market Street Ext
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0874
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-0874
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #55.
John Small Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4103 North Market Street Ext
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3941
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3941
Gr: 4-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Washington, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
947 Hudnell Street
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1611
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-1611
Gr: PK-1 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
910 Tarboro Street
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3350
Washington, NC 27889
(252) 946-3350
Gr: 2-3 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington, NC include Beaufort Co Early College High School, Washington Montessori and Washington High School.
How many public schools are located in Washington?
5 public schools are located in Washington.
What is the racial composition of students in Washington?
Washington public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Washington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington include: Beaufort Co Early College High School vs. Washington High School, P S Jones Middle School vs. Washington Montessori, Washington Montessori vs. Washington High School
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.